Coniferous trees are softwood.
Different types of construction projects require different types of lumber, and many people are familiar with the concepts of hardwood and softwood. However, few people know why woods are divided into these two categories and assume that hardwoods are hard while softwoods are soft. This distinction is incorrect: balsa wood, for example, is classified as hardwood, despite being very soft and light. The two types of wood are actually distinguished botanically, not by end use or appearance.
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees.
In general, hardwood comes from a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves annually, and softwood comes from a conifer, which usually remains evergreen. Hardwoods tend to grow more slowly and are therefore generally denser, but not always. Softwoods often grow in large stands of trees that can stretch for miles, while hardwoods tend to be found mixed with a variety of other species.
An eagle carved from balsa wood, a hard wood.
Softwood comes from a type of tree known as a gymnosperm. Gymnosperms reproduce by forming cones that emit pollen to be spread by the wind to other trees. Pollinated trees form bare seeds that are dropped to the ground or carried by the wind so that new trees can grow elsewhere. Some examples include pine, redwood, fir, cedar, and larch.
A hardwood is an angiosperm, which means that it produces seeds or closed fruits. Angiosperms usually form flowers to reproduce. Birds and insects attracted to the flowers carry the pollen to other trees, and when fertilized, the trees form fruits such as apples or walnuts and seeds such as acorns and walnuts. Examples include maple, balsa, oak, elm, mahogany, and sycamore.
Mahogany is an example of a hardwood.
Both types of wood are used for everything from structural beams to decorative details. Some woods within each category are preferred for specific uses: maple and elm are common flooring elements. Redwood is often used for decks and other outdoor applications because the wood is naturally resistant to insects and does not need to be treated with dangerous chemicals. Balsa is used for light wood models and projects because it is easy to work with.
Lumber harvested from maple, oak, and other hardwood trees is often used to produce hardwood flooring.
When choosing lumber for any project, there are a few things a woodworker should keep in mind, regardless of what lumber is used. It should have a firm, even texture without excessive knotting or pattern changes, unless used for decorative purposes. The wood must also be free of cracks or crevices and must be milled along the grain to be strong. Woodworkers should watch out for staining and discoloration, which can represent exposure to water that can cause rot later on.
